The Arizona Cardinals have primarily been linked to the wide receiver position with the 23rd overall pick in next week’s NFL draft. While that still could come to fruition, the number of receiver-needy teams ahead of them is concerning.
The Atlanta Falcons (No. 8), New York Jets (10), Washington Commanders (11), Philadelphia Eagles (15 and 18), Los Angeles Chargers (17) and Green Bay Packers (22), among others, have all been connected to this year’s top receiver prospects. That list could potentially be troubling for the Cards’ chances of landing one of their coveted receivers, those being Jameson Williams, Drake London, Chris Olave, Jahan Dotson and Treylon Burks.
There may be an alternative and less-risky option for the team, one that would surely help in the mending relationship with star quarterback Kyler Murray. This potential move would undoubtedly give the Cardinals and offense capable of matching their division rival and Super Bowl champions in Los Angeles.
Tennessee Titans star receiver A.J. Brown’s name has been circulated in trade talks in the past few weeks. Brown, along with others in the 2019 receiver class, are seeking lucrative contract extensions in the surging market at the position. This offseason saw former Cardinal Christian Kirk net roughly $20 million annually and likes of Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams getting nearly $30 million.
The Cardinals have been frustratingly quiet this offseason, but all could be amended by acquiring Brown from the Titans, should he become available. In three seasons with the team, Brown has totaled 2,995 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns. He missed four games last season due to injury, but has been reliable for the team otherwise.
At just 24-years-old, Brown has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the league. He’s just entering his prime and will likely continue to improve over the course of the next few seasons. Adding a receiving threat of Brown’s caliber to an offense that already features DeAndre Hopkins, Kyler Murray and Zach Ertz would be lethal.
While the initial reaction to many was that any trade reports were the result of agents putting media pressure on this draft class’ receivers respective teams to get extensions done, it appears to be more than that in Brown’s case. The former Ole Miss Rebel has taken to social media to express his blatant frustrations with the Titans, something that none of the other receivers have done.
I’m a diva and a bad teammate all of sudden, lol ok. Do what you have to do then and so will I
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) April 18, 2022
ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported Monday that the Titans and Brown were working on a long-term extension, however, Browns comments can’t be ignored. Head coach Mike Vrabel has stated Brown will not be traded, but so did Pete Caroll when asked about moving Russell Wilson earlier this offseason.
General Manager Steve Keim has been extraordinarily successful in his recent trades. It’s been his best trait as an executive to this point, one that could come into play once more. This front office has not been shy about acquiring star players via trade and agreeing to multi-year extensions with them (Chandler Jones, DeAndre Hopkins).
Brown is obviously frustrated with his respective teams, and its almost certain teams will at least call the Titans to gauge their interest in a trade. Should he become available, the Cardinals must be aggressive. They should be running to the phone to call general manager Jon Robinson of the Titans.
Potential A.J. Brown trade
The Cardinals receive Brown and a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft.
The Titans get the Cardinals’ first-round pick in the draft this year and a conditional third-round selection in 2023.
Potential A.J. Brown contract extension
The Cardinals could then give Brown a four-year, $90 million deal with $55 million fully guaranteed.
If A.J. Brown somehow becomes available, Cardinals should be aggressive with a trade offer. Their offense needs one more playmaker on the outside.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) April 18, 2022
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